Tuesday’s practice update

There was a big absence at Predators practice. Defenseman Hal Gill, who missed Nashville’s last game at Colorado, and didn’t practice yesterday was out again with what the Predators called a “lower body” injury.

Gill took a blast from Dallas Stars defenseman Sheldon Souray — known for having one of the hardest shots in the NHL — in the last minute of Nashville’s win over the Stars last Thursday. Trotz called Gill a game-time decision for tomorrow’s Game 1 against the Red Wings at Bridgestone Arena.

“He went out early and he skated,” Trotz said. “We felt that with his injury, no sense in trying to aggravate it any more.”

The Predators acquired Gill specifically for the playoffs. Their penalty killing has gone up since they traded for Gill Feb. 17. If Gill can’t go, expect Jack Hillen or Ryan Ellis to jump into the lineup. Gill is 6-foot-7, and both Ellis and Hillen are listed at 5-foot-10.

“He’s a big part the last few weeks and since the trading deadline,” defenseman Shea Weber said. “If he’s ready to go, we’re excited and if not, we have a deep enough team this year where we can fill spots and be ready to go.”

Goaltender Anders Lindback also practiced. Lindback hurt his “upper body” Saturday at Colorado when defenseman Ellis fell on Lindback. Trotz said he was “pretty sure” Lindback would be ready to back up Pekka Rinne for Game 1 tomorrow.

Alexander Radulov and Brandon Yip both returned to practice after taking “maintenance” days yesterday.

“I don’t want to talk about this,” Radulov told Tennessean reporter Mike Organ after being asked if he was injured. “I got a day off, that’s it. It’s nothing. I feel good.”

Mohawks galore: Francis Bouillon unveiled an interesting haircut Tuesday. Bouillon decided to shave the sides of his head in a Mohawk. His defense partner Kevin Klein has been sporting one for the better part of the past month.

“He had it before and I told him if we go to the playoffs I’m going to do it too,” Bouillon said. “So now we’re playing together and we’re a real pair.”